Cardigans
Twenty Knitting Patterns for Every Season
Maja Karlsson
Batsford
When we think of knitting something, we generally will fixate first on one of two objects, a scarf or a cardigan. They are the objects of desire for anyone who wants comfort, reassurance and yes - warmth.
I have read so so many knitting books, they all tempt me in a way, but this one hits perfection. Lets decipher why I think it is one to beat….
The book is divided into chapter sections of seasons. No, nothing new here in organisation style, but its done so well. I do not need another knitting book on cardigans, to me, this is it and this relation to seasons makes it easier to decide what to create - for example if we are looking to make something to provide shelter from the cold, we know what section to look at.
The imagery has a beautiful continuous theme touching on the nordic, which aligns well with the patterns showcased. The images are captured in beautiful locations, which help us visualise, even if it is just a wish, how the projects we create could be worn and where.
I love the project names, they make me want to make them. I am afraid that I am unashamedly someone who gets taken in on a name and these are just too gorgeous! ‘Auntie’s cardigan’, each title conjures up a setting, a person, a place or a moment. The cardigans seem to have a narrative before they even come to life, a talked about, prior existence…
For those of us who are fragile around this skill of knitting, there is a brilliant simplistic and understandable Knitting School section at the back of this book - so we do not need another human experienced in knitting to hand hold us through each project when we panic. This type of content may save our embarrassment.
Aesthetically, the book is beautiful. I love the colour of the cover and its hardback sturdy nature.
Projects are balanced to experience level….there are some which are also one colour, so this takes them down to an easier level too.
The sizing has been done to be suited for al, XS upwards.
Reflecting back on what you connect with when you think of a knitted cardigan - the security, maybe familial recognition, the sentimental, passed on, passed down, hole ridden, mended…I see knitting as a part of our story and when made from new, can become a part of our story. A cardigan worn, can be the ‘one you wore when….’be it a good life moment - saw a successful job interview, or a one you would rather forget, maybe a break up. Whatever the life even, this will have been your adult comfort blanket - the one we silently all wish we could hold during those fontal headed times. Lets face it, we are all children - seeking love.